Media

Welcome to MonsterFishKeepers.com

The members of this forum have come together to share our knowledge and experiences of fish keeping. We want to answer your questions, offer advice and fill the galleries with pictures of the fish we have all grown to love.

We are a unique community of Fish Keepers who seriously take our hobby to extremes and the NEXT level. The majority of our fish collections include RARE & EXOTIC Species of all sizes, BIG FISH with BIG APPETITES and BIG TANKS. It's not easy for most people or other "regular" fish keepers to understand why we maintain this type of collection and spare no expense on this fascinating hobby.

Hopefully, through this site and discussion forums we can encourage the next generation of Monster Fish Keepers to have the same passion and love we have for the hobby and our Monster Fish
.

As one of the founding members, I personally invite you to register and join us today. Currently you are viewing this site as our guest which only gives you limited access to view most discussions, articles and photo galleries.

Registration is FREE and very easy! When you register, you'll have instant access to....

• Post and participate in discussions about your passion for fish keeping

• Have your own Photo Gallery and the ability to upload your images

• View and comment on the gallery

• Participate in MFK contests, promotions, and discounts

• Use of private messaging to communicate with other community members

We're constantly striving to improve our community to help make your Monster Fish Keeping hobby fulfilling and interesting. Comments are welcome.

(1) No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association shall possess, sell, offer for sale, import, bring or cause to be brought or imported into the State of Alabama any of the following live fish or animals:

Any Walking Catfish or any other fish of the genus Clarias;

Any Piranha or any fish of the genus Serrasalmus;

Any Black Carp of the genus Mylopharyngodon;

Any species of Mongoose;

San Juan Rabbits, Jack Rabbits or any other species of wild rabbit or hare; or

Any of the following from any area outside the state of Alabama: any member of the family Cervidae (to include but not be limited to deer, elk, moose, caribou), species of coyote, species of fox, species of raccoon, species of skunk, wild rodent, or strain of wild turkey, black bear (Ursus Americanus), mountain lion (Felis concolor), bobcat (Felis rufus), Pronghorn Antelope (Antelocapridae), any nondomestic member of the families Suidae (pigs), Tayassuidae (peccaries), or Bovidae (bison, mountain goat, mountain sheep).

No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association, shall transport within the state, any member of the above-stated species (whether such member originated within or without the state), except for properly licensed game-breeders pursuant to Section 9-11-31, Code of Alabama 1975.

(2) It shall be unlawful to release any tame turkey, or any other turkey, whether wild or tame, into any of the wild areas of this State.

The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to any turkeys kept by any farmer or landowner of this State for normal agricultural purposes or for personal consumption.

(3) Nutria shall not be propagated or released in this State. No person, firm or corporation shall release any Nutria from captivity in this State or propagate any Nutria for the purpose of stocking in the wild of this State.

(4) All species of sturgeon are hereby declared to be protected fish within this State and any person who shall catch a sturgeon shall immediately return it to the waters from whence it came with the least possible harm.

(5) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to possess a species of sturgeon not native to Alabama waters, to introduce such a species of sturgeon to public waters of Alabama, or to offer for sale or import any such non-native sturgeon in Alabama, except by permit from the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

(6) It shall be unlawful to possess, sell, offer for sale, import, or release any of the following fish: Chinese perch (Siniperca spp.), all snakeheads (Channa spp.), all mud carp (Cirrhinus spp.), or blue back herring (Alosa aestivalis).

(7) It shall be unlawful for any person to possess, sell, offer for sale, import, or release any non-indigenous venomous reptile in or into the State of Alabama, except by written permission of a designated employee of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources authorized by the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries to issue such permits.

(8) Except as authorized by permit issued by the Department prior to the date of this amendment, it shall be unlawful for any person to have in possession any live, protected wild bird or wild animal or live embryo, eggs or sperm of these protected wild birds or animals. "Possession'' in this section does not include deer restricted by natural or man made barriers as long as the deer remain wild and are not subject to management practices of domesticated animals.

(9) The provisions of this regulation shall not apply to the exceptions provided for in Section 9-2-13(cool.gif, Code of Alabama 1975. Accredited educational facilities, research facilities, and permitted rehabilitation facilities shall be exempt from this regulation through the written permission of the Director of the Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries or his designee.

Additional wildlife species with restrictions can be found in Regulation 220-2-.96 (vertebrates) and in Regulation 220-2-.98 (invertebrates).

ALASKA:

No person shall possess, transport, or offer for sale any live native species within the state or across state lines unless under special permit.

Staff Member

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission regulations prohibit the possession of the following "restricted live wildlife" fish species without a special license or exemption:

1. American graling, the species Thymallus arctius.
2. Bass, all species of the family Serranidae.
3. Bighead carp, the species Aristichthys nobilis.
4. Bony tongue, the species Arapaima gigas.
5. Bowfin, the species Amia calva.
6. Catfish, all species of the family Ictaluridae.
7. Crucian carp, the species Carassius carassius.
8. Electric catfish, the species Malapterus electricus.
9. Electric eel, the species Electrophorus electricus.
10. European whitefish or ide, the species Leuciscus idus and Idus idus.
11. Freshwater drum, the species Aplodinotus grunniens.
12. Freshwater stingray, all species of the family Potamotrygonidae.
13. Gars, all species of the family Lepisosteidae.
14. Goldeye, all species of the family Hiodontidae.
15. Herring, all species of the family Clupeidae.
16. Indian carp, all of the species Catla catla, Cirrhina mrigala, and Labeo rohita.
17. Lampreys, all speice sof the family Petromyzontidae.
18. Mooneye, all species of the family Hiodontidae.
19. Nile perch, all species of the genus Lates.
20. Pike, all species of the family Esocidae.
21. Pike topminnow, the species Belonesox belizanus.
22. Piranha, all species of the genera Serrasalmus, Serrasalmo, Phygocentrus, Teddyella, Rooseveltiella, and Pygopristis.
23. Shad, all species of the family Clupeidae except threadfin shad, species Dorosoma petenense.
24. Sharks, all species, both marine and freshwater, of the orders Hexanchiformes, Heterodontiformes, Squaliformes, Pristiophoriformes, Squatiniformes, Orectolobiformes, Lamniformes, and Carcharhiniformes.
25. Silver carp, the species Hypopthalmicthys molitrix.
26. Snakehead, all species of the family Ophicephalidae.
27. South American parasitic catfish, all species of the family Trichomycteridae and Cetopsidae.
28. Sunfish, all species of the family Centrarchidae.
29. Tetras, all species of the genus Astyanyx.
30. Tiger fish, the species Hoplias malabaricus.
31. Trout, all species of the family Salmonidae.
32. White amur, the species Ctenopharyngodon idellus.
33. Walking catfish, all species of the family Clariidae.
34. Walleye, the species Stizostedion vitreum.
35. White perch, the species Morone americanus.
36. Yellow perch, the species Perca flavescens.
37. Rudd, the species Scardinius erythropthalmus.

Staff Member

Controlled under state code and permit program. It shall be unlawful to place silver carp, black carp, or bighead carp into any body of water where ingress into public waters of said fish is not entirely blocked. It is unlawful to engage in the rearing or sale of non-native fish species without first being registered in writing as a vendor of said species with the Director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Walking catfish
Stickleback
Mexican banded tetra
Piranha
These prohibited species may be possessed for display and educational purposes with a written permit from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. A list of known and approved non-native fish is maintained by the state, and fish intended strictly for aquarium hobbyist trade is excluded from any of these regulations.

2. Ctenopharyngodon idellus (Grass carp) (D), except that permits may be issued to a person, organization or agency for possession of triploid grass carp, under conditions set forth in Section 238.6.

3. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Silver carp) (D).

4. Aristichthys nobilis (Bighead carp) (D).

(K) Family Trichomycteridae (Pygidiidae) - Parasitic Catfishes. All species (D).

(L) Family Cetopsidae - Whalelike Catfishes. All species (D).

(M) Family Clariidae - Labyrinth Catfishes All species of the genera Clarias, Dinotopterus, and Heterobranchus (D).

(N) Family Heteropneustidae (Saccobranchidae) - Airsac Catfishes All species (D).

(O) Family Cichlidae - Cichlids

1. Tilapia sparrmani (Banded Tilapia) (D).

2. Tilapia zilli (Redbelly tilapia) (D), except permits may be issued to a person or agency for importation, transportation, or possession in the counties of San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial.

3. Tilapia aurea (Blue tilapia) (D).

4. Tilapia nilotica (Nile tilapia) (D).

(P) Family Anguillidae - Freshwater Eels. All species of genus Anguilla (D).

(Q) Family Esocidae - Pikes all species (D).

(R ) Family Percidae - Perches

1. Perca flavescens (Yellow perch) (D).

2. Stizostedion vitreum (Walleye) (D).

(S) Family Catostomidae - Suckers All members of the genus Ictiobus (Buffalos) (D).

Source: California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 671. These regulations are promulgated by the California Fish and Game Commission pursuant to statutory authority set forth in the California Fish and Game Code. (There's a statutory list too, but the one from the regulations is more complete. The statutes only contain the original list, whereas the regulations also include all species added by the Commission.)

You can also see the entire list of prohibited animals for California at the following link:

Staff Member

C. Except as provided herein, the possession of the following species, their hybrids or viable gametes is prohibited:
1. Bowfins: Amiidae.
2. Carp of the following genera: [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Aristichthys [/FONT][/FONT](including but not limited to bighead carp); [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Catla [/FONT][/FONT](including but not limited to catla); [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Catlocarpio [/FONT][/FONT](including but not limited to giant barb); [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Carrassius[/FONT][/FONT]; [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Cirrhinus [/FONT][/FONT](including but not limited to mrigal); [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Cyprinus[/FONT][/FONT]; [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Hypophthalmichthys [/FONT][/FONT](including but not limited to silver carp and largescale silver carp); [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Labeo [/FONT][/FONT](including but not limited to rohu; [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Mylopharyngodon [/FONT][/FONT](including but not limited to black carp); and [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]Tor [/FONT][/FONT](including but not limited to mahseers). However, grass carp and common carp, including koi and goldfish may be possessed as otherwise provided for in these regulations.
3. Catfish, Walking
4. Crayfish, Rusty
5. Eel, Asian Swamp
6. Frog, Green
7. Gars: Lepisosteidae - All species.
8. Gobies: Gobiidae.
9. Mussel, Quagga
10. Mussel, Zebra
11. New Zealand mudsnail
12. Perch, White
13. Piranha: Including members of the genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus.
14. Rudd
15. Ruffe, Eurasian
16. Snakeheads or murrels: Members of the genera Channa, Parachanna and Ophicephalus
17. Sticklebacks: Members of the genera Apeltes, Aulorhynchus, Gasterosteus and Pungitius.
18. Tilapia: All species.
However, blue tilapia Mozambique tilapia Nile tilapia and their hybrids may be imported and possessed for fish culture and educational purposes, provided the fish and their progeny are held in facilities screened or otherwise designed to prevent their escape and are not otherwise released into waters of the state. Screen mesh size shall be no larger than 1/4" diameter. For the purposes of this regulation, "fish culture" means the raising of fish for sale as food or for export, by a licensed aquaculturist, and "educational purposes" means the raising of fish by educational facilities or for public display in public aquaria, zoos, or other similar facilities.
19. Trahira
20. Water Fleas, Fish Hook and Spiny: Cercopagis pengoi, Bythotrephes lomgimanus, and Daphnia lumholtzii.

Staff Member

In Connecticut, a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection is
required for the importation into the state of any live fish or live fish eggs,
except for common aquarium species. Here's the text of the regulations
concerning common aquarium species (note that the importation or possession of
piranha and walking catfish is prohibited):

Section 26-55-1(h) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA):
(h) No permit shall be required to import, live common aquarium species. The
importation or possession of piranha of the subfamily: Serrasalminae, genera
Serrasalmus, Serrasalmo, Pygocentrus, Teddyella, Rooseveltiella, and Pygopristus
and walking catfish of the family Clariidae, genera Clarias, Heteropneustes,
Dinotoplerus and Heterobranchus is prohibited except that the Commissioner may
at his discretion issue permits for the importation and possession, when it is
in the public interest, for public display purposes, of single specimens of
piranha and walking catfish. Such possession permits shall be issued for a
calendar year and the applicant must request renewal of said permit prior to
December thirty-first of the year said permit is in effect. Renewal of said
permit shall be at the discretion of the Commissioner. Such permittee shall
report annually to the Commissioner during the month of December on the status
and health of the specimen for which said permit is issued, except that in the
case of death of said specimen the permittee shall report same to the
Commissioner within seven days.

Possesion or importation of a number of species (and groups of species) is
prohibited, below is the current list of prohibited fish (text from Sec.
26-55-1(i) of the RCSA):

(i) Live fish or live fish eggs of the following species, genera or families may
not be imported in to the state or possessed:
(1) Bowfin (Amia calva);
(2) Gars (Lepisosteidae spp.);
(3) Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum)
(4) White bass (Morone chrysops),
(5) Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens);
(6) Snail carp or Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus);
(7) Silver carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix);
(8) Big Head carp (Aristichthys nobilis);
(9) Tench (Tinca tinca);
(10) Rohu (Labeo rohita);
(11) Calbasu (Labeo calbasa)
(12) Catla (Catla catla);
(13) Mrigal (Cirrhina mrigala);
(14) Mahseer (Tor tor);
(15) Crucian carp (Carassius carassius);
(16) Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus);
(17) European whitefish, Orfe or Ide (Leuciscus idus);
(18) Any species of fish whose importation into the United States is prohibited;
(19) Any species of fish designated rare, threatened or endangered;
(20) Any species of fish which the Commissioner determines is potentially
dangerous to humans, established species of fish or established aquatic plants;
(21) Snakehead (including all members of the genus Channa and Parachanna or
their generic synonyms of Bostrychoides, Ophicephalus, Ophiocephalus, and
Parophiocephalus).

Also, this past summer, the importation and/or possession of live fish or live
eggs of all forms of sturgeon (family Acipenseridae) including "sterlet" was
prohibited. It was determined that a potential threat to Atlantic sturgeon and
the federally endangered shortnose sturgeon existed due to competition,
hybridization and disease transmission should other sturgeon be introduced to
Connecticut waters.

Please note that the introduction/liberation/stocking of any species of fish
into CT waters is also prohibited without a permit from the Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) and that the use of, or sale of common carp
(Cyprinus carpio) and goldfish for use as bait is also prohibited.

To protect and conserve Florida's natural aquatic resources and help ensure public safety, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) prohibits (see Prohibited fishes) or restricts (see list above) certain non-native fishes and aquatic fauna. Moreover, no person shall allow or permit any freshwater aquatic organism not native to the state to remain in the waters of any pond which is not maintained or operated for the production of such non-native species.

The FWC uses well-defined criteria to determine where a species should appear on the list. The most current list is available by checking the statutes (See 68A-23.008). Species that were included on the list as of July 2003 are described on this page. In general, prohibited non-native aquatic species, listed in red in the link box above, may not be imported, sold, possessed or transported in Florida. Very limited exceptions are made by permit for viewing at large public aquaria or for research, provided Commission-approved maximum security requirements are met. No exceptions are made for certain prohibited species, such as piranha. Research permits for prohibited aquatic species are also very stringent.
Restricted non-native aquatic species, listed in brown in the link box above, may only be possessed under permit from the executive director. Prior to the issuance of such permit, the facilities where the restricted aquatic species are to be kept and waters where their use is intended may be inspected by Commission personnel to assure that adequate safeguards exist to prevent escape or accidental release into the waters of the state.
Note that much of the information on this page was taken from Fish base and "Living Fishes of the World," by Herald, or from the "Identification Guide to the Restricted and Prohibited Exotic Fishes," which was edited by Lt. Tom Quinn for FWC.

Current as of: Dec. 2011
Live specimens of the following species, including their taxonomic successors, subspecies, or hybrids or eggs thereof may be possessed only pursuant to permit issued by the Executive Director except as provided in subsection 68-5.001(3), F.A.C.
(1) Non-native freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrate species.
(a) Bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis).
(b) Bony-tongue fishes (Family Arapaimidae).
1. Arapaima (Arapaima gigas).
2. Heterotis (Heterotis niloticus).
(c) Dorados (Genus Salminus, all species).
(d) Freshwater stingrays (Family Potamotrygonidae, all species).
(e) Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), with restrictions as provided in Rule 68A-23.088, F.A.C.
(f) Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix).
(g) Snail or black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus).
(h) Nile perches (Genus Lates, all species). For owners of aquaculture facilities that are operating under permit or a certificate of registration, but which are not cultivating Nile perches as of April 11, 2007, and for owners of aquaculture facilities which are issued original permits or certificates of registration after April 11, 2007, Nile perches:
1. Shall be held only in indoor facilities.
2. Shall not be taken on a fee or for-hire basis using hook and line or rod and reel.
(i) Blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus), except that Oreochromis aureus may be possessed, cultured, and transported without permit in Citrus County in the North Central Region; and all counties of the Northeast, South and Southwest Regions.
(j) Wami tilapia (Oreochromis urolepis).
(k) Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)
(l) Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
(m) Walking catfish (Clarias batrachus)
(n) Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), except that blue catfish may be possessed in the Suwannee River and its tributaries and north and west of the Suwannee River.
(o) Australian red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) only in closed tank culture systems.
(p) Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) and white river crayfish (Procambarus zonangulas)
1. Pond aquaculture of either species is prohibited.
2. Red swamp crayfish and white river crayfish may be possessed west of the Apalachicola River and its tributaries or imported for direct sale to food wholesalers and food retailers for resale to consumers without permit.
(q) Arowanas (Family Osteoglossidae, all species except silver arowana, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum).
(r) Northern largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides salmoides), except that intergrade largemouth bass (northern largemouth bass x Florida largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus) may be possessed in the Suwannee River and its tributaries and north and west of the Suwannee River.

Florida Regulations 68-5.001 - Introduction of Non-native Species into the State

Current as of: Dec. 2011
(1) No person shall transport into the state, introduce, or possess, for any purpose that might reasonably be expected to result in liberation into the state, any freshwater fish, aquatic invertebrate, marine plant, marine animal, or wild animal life not native to the state, without having secured a permit from the Commission, except:
(a) Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas).
(b) Variable platy (Xiphophorus variatus).
(c) Coturnix quail (Coturnix coturnix).
(d) Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus).
(2) Unless otherwise specifically provided in Titles 68A through 68E, F.A.C., all species of freshwater aquatic life and wild animal life not native to Florida may be taken throughout the year, without restrictions.
(3) Conditional Non-native Species &#8211; No person shall import into the state, sell, possess, or transport any live specimens of the species, or hybrids or eggs thereof, listed in Rule 68-5.002, F.A.C., except by Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative species permit and as provided in paragraphs (a) through (f) below:
(a) Permits shall be issued only to individuals or institutions engaged in research, or to commercial import or export businesses, public aquaria, public zoological parks, or public exhibitors providing educational exhibits. Permits shall not be issued for display of these species in private aquaria, private zoological parks, or for personal possession, except as provided in Rule 68-5.002, F.A.C.
(b) Any person engaged in aquaculture who possesses a valid certificate of registration from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued pursuant to Chapter 597, F.S., and who is authorized to possess such species in accordance with Chapter 597, F.S., is not required to obtain the permit.
(c) Conditional freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrate species:
1. Species held outdoors may only be held in a water body that has the lowest point of the top edge of its levee, dike, bank, or tank at an elevation of at least one foot above the 100-year flood elevation determined by reference to elevation maps issued by the National Flood Insurance Program, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Such water body shall have no water discharge or shall be constructed with a barrier system designed to prevent escape of adults, juveniles, and eggs in the water effluent discharged from the permittee&#8217;s property. Public visitation at facilities in possession of conditional non-native species shall occur only under supervision of the permittee or his/her designee.
2. Conditional freshwater fish and aquatic invertebrate species held indoors may only be held in culture systems having no water discharge, having a water discharge through a closed drain system, or other system designed to prevent discharge of water containing adults, juveniles and eggs from the permittee&#8217;s property.
3. Conditional non-native aquatic species shall not be taken on a fee- or for-hire basis using hook and line or rod and reel.
(d) Conditional turtle species:
1. Outdoor facilities must have a permanent containment barrier secured at least six inches below ground level to prevent escape by digging, erosion, climbing or by passing through gaps. Such barriers may be constructed of solid metal or weather-resistant and rot-resistant material, and may not use mesh material.
2. All eggs must be removed and destroyed daily from outdoor facilities.
(e) Snakes and lizards:
1. Conditional snake and lizard species may only be held in safe, secure and proper housing in cases, cages, pits or enclosures of the following specifications:
a. Cage may be constructed of a variety of materials including: plate glass of at least one-quarter inch thickness, break-resistant plastic of similar strength, concrete reinforced with wire, sheet metal, molded fiberglass, plywood or interlocking lumber that has been treated to be impervious to moisture and is not less than one-half inch in thickness, or other materials which provide equivalent stability and security against escape and unauthorized intrusion. Cages and doors to cages shall be sealed. The doors of each cage shall be securely locked by a device operated by a key, combination lock, key card or other locking device approved by the Commission to prevent unauthorized intrusion.
b. A room or out-building may contain conditional snake and lizard species in cages that are not locked provided that such a room or out building is locked by a device operated by a key, combination lock, key card or other locking device approved by the Commission to prevent unauthorized intrusion, is inaccessible to unauthorized personnel, is constructed and maintained as to be escape-proof, and has been inspected and approved as conforming to these rules by Commission personnel prior to use. Any out building so used must be of strong construction with concrete or other suitable flooring and securely anchored to the ground. Such building shall be clearly posted at point of entry with a sign stating &#8220;Danger &#8211; Dangerous Reptiles.&#8221;
c. Facilities with one or more permittee at the same facility location may not commingle their respective live conditional species inventories. All cages or enclosures must be clearly identified or visibly marked with the name of the permittee or other identifier to facilitate inventory inspections.
d. All individuals associated with a facility authorized to possess conditional snake and lizard species shall demonstrate knowledge of facility requirements, and secure handling protocols for conditional snakes and lizards as established by the permittee.
2. Identification: Conditional snakes and lizards shall be permanently identified with a unique passive integrated transponder (PIT tag). Identification shall consist of the implantation of a unique PIT tag under the specimen&#8217;s skin in a manner to maintain the PIT tag permanently in place.
a. For snakes implantation shall be in specimens with a one (1) inch or greater diameter. The PIT tag shall be implanted in the rear one-third (1/3) of the snake, forward of the anal plate.
b. For lizards implantation shall be in the body cavity in close proximity to and forward of a rear leg, or in a rear leg.
c. The requirement pertaining to the location of the PIT tag implantation shall not apply to specimens implanted prior to acquisition of the animal or prior to the effective date of this rule.
d. Records of identification including PIT tag number where applicable, along with information about the specimen being identified (species, specimen name or number, gender, and age) must be provided to the Commission within 72 hours of acquisition and maintained in the possessor&#8217;s records for as long as the specimen is possessed.
e. Exemption: Conditional snakes and lizards being held for export by any person who possesses such animals in accordance with Sections 379.304 and 379.372, F.S., are exempt from the permanent identification requirement of this section for a period not to exceed 180 days provided such animals or their enclosures are permanently marked so as to be traceable to written records indicating the date such conditional snakes and lizards were acquired.
3. Inspection: Conditional snake and lizard species held in captivity are subject to inspection by Commission personnel. Commission personnel shall determine whether the snakes or lizards are securely, properly and safely housed. In the event that any conditional snakes or lizards are not safely housed, Commission personnel shall report the situation in writing to the person authorized to possess or exhibit such reptiles. Failure of the possessor or exhibitor to correct the situation within 30 days after such written notice shall be grounds for revocation of the permit.
4. Transporting: Conditional snake and lizard species shall be transported only after placement in a closely woven, double-seam sewn, cloth sack. This cloth sack shall be placed in a second cloth sack of similar construction, which shall be placed in a secure container. Said containers shall be prominently labeled &#8220;Dangerous Reptiles.&#8221;
5. Disaster and Critical Incidents Plans.
a. A plan to secure conditional snakes or lizards in the event of disasters or critical incidents shall be documented on the Captive Wildlife Critical Incident/Disaster Plan form FWCDLE_619 (06-10), which is adopted and incorporated herein by reference. Forms may be obtained by submitting a request to: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, or at www.myfwc.com/License/Index.htm. This form shall consist of two parts. Part A of form FWCDLE_619 shall be submitted at the time of initial application to possess conditional snake and lizard species; and Part B shall be retained on file at the facility and be made available for inspection upon request of Commission personnel.
b. No later than 24 hours prior to the National Weather Center&#8217;s projected onset of hurricane-force winds of Category 3 or greater, all conditional snakes and lizards shall be placed in a closely woven, double-seam sewn, cloth sack. This cloth sack shall be placed in a second cloth sack of similar construction, which shall be placed in a secure container. Any conditional snakes and lizards in an outdoor enclosure shall be moved to a secure indoor facility of strong construction with concrete or other suitable flooring and securely anchored to the ground. Persons authorized to possess conditional snakes and lizards shall report their critical incident preparation status to their county emergency management agency prior to the onset of critical conditions.
6. Record Keeping: Persons authorized to possess conditional snake and lizard species shall maintain an accurate record of all changes in inventory including births, deaths, acquisitions, sales and transfers of all conditional snakes or lizards. Such records shall be kept on the permitted premises on a Captive Wildlife Inventory-Reptile form, FWCDLE_620IV-R (06-10), which is adopted and incorporated herein by reference. Forms may be obtained by submitting a request to: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, or at www.myfwc.com/License/Index.htm. Such records shall be open to inspection upon request by Commission personnel.
a. Records of births or deaths shall include the date of the birth or death; and the quantity and species of each birth or death. For the purposes of this section &#8220;birth&#8221; shall be defined as the initial hatch or live birth date for the clutch.
b. Records of acquisition shall include the date of acquisition; quantity and species of reptiles acquired; method of identification and unique passive integrated transponder (PIT tag) number, if applicable, for each specimen; name and complete address of supplier, except for animals acquired under the provisions of paragraph 68-5.004(3)(c), F.A.C.; and conditional species permit number of supplier where applicable.
c. Transfer: Conditional snake and lizard species may be transferred to persons authorized to possess conditional snakes and lizards. Such transfers must be accompanied by Captive Wildlife Inventory-Reptile form, FWCDLE_620IV-R (06-10), which is adopted and incorporated herein by reference. Forms may be obtained by submitting a request to: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, or at www.myfwc.com/License/Index.htm. This form shall be signed by the originator upon shipment and by the recipient upon receipt and shall list the common name, scientific name, and quantity of each species in transport; name and address of the originator and recipient; conditional species permit number of the recipient; if the shipment originates within Florida, the conditional species permit number of the originator.
7. Reporting:
a. Persons exhibiting or selling live conditional snakes and lizards in accordance with Section 379.304, F.S., shall complete a Captive Wildlife Inventory-Reptile form, FWCDLE_620IV-R (06-10), and submit same to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement, 620 South Meridian Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1600, upon annual renewal of permit and six months thereafter.
b. Any person authorized to possess conditional snakes and lizards must report any escapes to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Division of Law Enforcement immediately upon discovery of escape.
(f) Research involving conditional species:
1. A detailed research proposal shall accompany the application for the permit. The proposal shall state with particularity research objectives, methodology and study duration, and outline planned safeguards to assure proper containment of the species. An annual record of progress toward the research project objectives shall be maintained, and such research proposal and record of progress shall be available for inspection upon request of Commission personnel.
2. All research involving conditional species shall be conducted according to the provisions of paragraphs (3)(c)-(e) above.
3. The permit shall expire 12 months from the date of issuance and shall not be renewed until a detailed report of research findings is received and approved by the Commission. The report shall include a description of activities undertaken in the permit period, progress toward research project objectives, and proposed additional activities to be undertaken during any renewal period. Such reports are public records subject to the requirements for public disclosure under Chapter 119, F.S.
4. Any escape or release of conditional species shall be reported immediately to the Commission.
(4) Prohibited Non-native Species &#8211; No person shall import into the state, sell, possess, or transport any live specimens of the species, or hybrids or eggs thereof, listed in Rule 68-5.003, F.A.C., except by Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species permit and as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) below:
(a) Exhibition of prohibited species: public aquaria, zoological parks, or public exhibitors shall be granted a permit provided the following requirements are met:
1. Prohibited aquatic species shall be maintained in indoor facilities in containers or other confinement facilities designed to prevent escape and having no exterior water discharge or having a water discharge through a closed drain system that terminates in a dry-bed wastewater retention area with no public access.
2. Prohibited terrestrial species shall be maintained in indoor facilities in cages or other confinement facilities that prevent escape and public contact.
3. Critical incident and disaster plan. A plan for securing animals on site, evacuating and/or euthanizing animals in the event of a natural disaster or critical incident shall be submitted by the applicant and approved by the Commission before a permit will be issued. The critical incident and disaster plan shall also include methods to transport and return evacuated animals to the exhibition facility. Commission personnel will review the critical incident and disaster plan to ensure the State of Florida is adequately protected from the risk of introduction of the species.
4. Inspections. Exhibitors permitted to possess prohibited species may be inspected by Commission personnel or an authorized representative of the Commission prior to issuance of a permit. Scheduled and unannounced inspections to ensure general security measures are followed may be conducted at any time during the permit period.
5. The permit will expire 12 months from the date of issuance.
6. Possession of sea snakes (Family Hydrophiidae, all species) is limited to public aquaria, public zoological parks, or public exhibitors providing educational exhibits, for public exhibition purposes only, under the following conditions:
a. Only male sea snakes may be possessed.
b. A public aquarium, zoological park, or public exhibitor possessing sea snakes shall not be located in a coastal county and shall have no contiguous connection with any waters of the state.
c. Each public aquarium, public zoological park, or public exhibitor possessing sea snakes shall provide quarterly reports to the Commission regarding the number of each species of sea snakes on the premises and any changes in inventory resulting from death or additions by importation.
d. Each public aquarium, zoological park, or public exhibitor possessing sea snakes shall post with the Commission a $1 million letter of credit. The letter of credit shall be in favor of the State of Florida, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, for use by the Commission to remove any sea snake accidentally or intentionally introduced into waters of the state. The letter of credit shall be written in the form determined by the Commission. The letter of credit shall provide that the zoological park or aquarium is responsible for the sea snakes within that facility and shall be in effect at all times that the zoological park or aquarium or public exhibitor possesses sea snakes.
e. No person or public aquarium, public zoological park, or public exhibitor shall barter, sell, or trade sea snakes within this state.
f. A public aquarium, public zoological park, or public exhibitor that imports sea snakes pursuant to this subsection may transport sea snakes into this state only by airplane that may land only at an airport located in a non-coastal county within this state.
g. A public aquarium, public zoological park, or public exhibitor possessing sea snakes pursuant to this subsection shall abide by all regulatory requirements of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with respect to venomous reptiles.
(b) Research involving prohibited species: Individuals or institutions engaged in research shall be granted a permit, provided the following requirements are met:
1. Eligibility. A permit for research involving prohibited species shall be issued only to a principal investigator who is a faculty member of a college or university, is affiliated with an accredited institution, or is a member of a federal, state or county agency.
2. Research proposal. A detailed research proposal shall be submitted and shall state with particularity research objectives, methodology and study duration, and shall outline planned safeguards to ensure proper containment of all specimens. An annual record of progress toward the research project objectives shall be maintained, and such research proposal and record of progress shall be available for inspection upon request of Commission personnel.
3. General security measures and containment.
a. Applicants shall submit to the Commission a list of personnel that have access to the prohibited species and arrangements for final disposition or euthanization of specimens.
b. All research on prohibited aquatic species shall be conducted in indoor facilities in containers or other confinement facilities designed to prevent escape and having no exterior water discharge or having a water discharge through a closed drain system that terminates in a dry-bed wastewater retention area with no public access.
c. All research on prohibited terrestrial wildlife species shall be conducted in indoor facilities in cages or other confinement facilities that prevent escape.
4. Critical incident and disaster plan. A plan for securing animals on site, evacuating and/or euthanizing animals in the event of a natural disaster or critical incident shall be submitted by the applicant and approved by the Commission before a permit will be issued. The critical incident and disaster plan shall include methods to transport and return evacuated animals back to the research facility. Commission personnel will review the critical incident and disaster plan to ensure the State of Florida is adequately protected from the risk of introduction of the species.
5. Inspections. All research facilities where research involving prohibited species is to be conducted will be inspected by Commission personnel or an authorized representative of the Commission prior to issuance of a permit. Scheduled and unannounced inspections to ensure general security measures are followed may be conducted at any time during the permit period.
6. The permit shall expire 12 months from the date of issuance and shall not be renewed until a detailed report of research findings is received and approved by the Commission. The report will include a description of activities undertaken in the permit period, progress toward research project objectives, and proposed additional activities to be undertaken during any renewal period. Such reports are public records subject to the requirements for public disclosure under Chapter 119, F.S.
7. Any escape or release of prohibited species shall be reported immediately to the Commission, and escape or release shall constitute grounds for revocation of the permit to conduct research involving prohibited species.
(5) No permits shall be granted for possession of any species of piranha or pirambeba (subfamily Serrasalminae).
(6) No leopard tortoise (Geochelone pardalis), African spurred tortoise (Geochelone sulcata), or Bell&#8217;s hingeback tortoise (Kinixys belliana) shall be imported or transported into this state, without a Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species permit subject to the following:
(a) Tortoises shall be inspected by a veterinarian and certified as being free of external parasites prior to being imported. Certified veterinary health certificates and written notice of the shipment shall be submitted to the Commission no less than 10 days before arrival of any tortoise.
(b) Containers used to transport tortoises shall be disinfected prior to importation, and shall be incinerated within 24 hours of arrival or exported out of Florida within 72 hours.
(c) Such other conditions as may be necessary to ensure that no tortoise infested with ticks capable of transmitting the Heartwater disease is imported into Florida.
(7) No person shall allow or permit any freshwater fish, aquatic invertebrate, marine plant, marine animal, or wild animal life not native to the state, to remain in any facility that is no longer maintained or operated for the production or maintenance of such non-native species. The presence of any such non-native species in any facility shall constitute possession by the owner or operator of the facility.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History&#8211;New 6-7-07, Amended 8-23-10.

Lionfish:

68B-5.006 Lionfish.
(1) For purposes of this rule:
(a) &#8220;Diver&#8221; means any person who is wholly or partially submerged in the water, and is equipped with a face mask, face mask and snorkel, or underwater breathing apparatus.
(b) &#8220;Lionfish&#8221; means any fish of the genus Pterois, or any part thereof.
(2) A recreational fishing license is not required for harvesting lionfish by divers only if using the following gear:
(a) Hand held net,
(b) Pole spear,
(c) Hawaiian sling, or
(d) Any other spearing device specifically designed and exclusively marketed towards lionfish.
(3) Lionfish shall have no commercial or recreational bag limit. Commercial licensing requirements apply for anyone harvesting for commercial purposes.
(4) The harvest of lionfish while using a rebreather is allowed in accordance with subsection 68B-4.012(2), F.A.C.
(5) In accordance with Rule 68-5.005, F.A.C., the importation of live lionfish is prohibited.
(6) In accordance with Rule 68-5.005, F.A.C., the intentional breeding of lionfish or cultivation of lionfish eggs or larvae in captivity is prohibited except as authorized by Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative species permit.
(7) Except for activities authorized by Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative species permit, the harvest or possession of lionfish eggs or larvae for any purpose other than destruction is prohibited.
Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. History&#8211;New 8-21-13, Amended 8-1-14, 11-26-14.

Staff Member

"Keeping Georgia Wildlife as Pets
Exotic Animals
The animals listed below are examples of the exotic species regulated under Georgia Law. The Department should be consulted before any exotic animals which are not normally domesticated are acquired. Hybrids or crosses between any combination of domestic animals, wildlife, or regulated wild animals and all subsequent generations are regulated in Georgia and may not be held without a license.

Banded tetra
Piranha; all species
Grass, Silver and Bighead carp
Air-breathing catfishes; all species
Parasitic catfishes; all species
Giant walking catfishes; all species
Snakeheads; all species of genera Ophicephalus and Channa
Fresh-water stingray; all species"

See Also:

27-1-1.

This title shall be known and may be cited as the 'Game and Fish Code'.

27-5-5.
( a ) The following animals are considered to be inherently dangerous to human beings and are subject to the license or permit insurance requirements provided for in subsection ( f ) of Code Section 27-5-4

( 6 ) All exotic fish which are not held in aquaria or tanks, provided that, as used in this Code section, 'aquaria or tanks' means containers for holding fish from which no water is discharged, except through periodic cleaning, and which discharged water is passed through a filtering system capable of removing all fish and fish eggs and is disposed of only in a septic tank permitted by the County or in a waste-water treatment system permitted by the Environmental Protection Division of the department. For purposes of this paragraph, exotic fish are all fish species not native to Georgia. This paragraph shall not apply to any species of fish regulated by any other chapter of this title.